KAM CEO Tobias Alando warns instability in Tanzania threatens regional trade
Tobias Alando noted that businesses across the region operate in environments shaped by different political regimes and changing government policies.
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Alando, has warned that political instability in Tanzania and other East African countries could disrupt regional trade, urging leaders to prioritise peace, stability, and accountability to safeguard economic growth across the bloc.
Speaking during an interview on NTV, Alando said that developments in Tanzania following its recent elections should concern all members of the East African Community (EAC), as their economies are closely linked through trade and cross-border investment.
More To Read
- Tanzania reassures world after unrest as police issue SMS warnings over election dissent
- Amnesty slams Tanzania for brutal crackdown, internet shutdown
- Samia Suluhu Hassan: Tanzania's disputed president
- Human rights lobby urges government to account for Kenyans affected by Tanzania election violence
- Tanzania President Samia Suluhu blames foreigners for violent election protests, calls for urgent investigations into unrest
- Samia Suluhu sworn in for second term as Tanzania’s President after election marred by violence
“Whatever happens in one neighbouring country affects us all because we trade amongst ourselves,” he said, adding that disruptions like flight cancellations in Tanzania have already hurt tourism and business.
Alando noted that businesses across the region operate in environments shaped by different political regimes and changing government policies.
“Businesses operate in an environment that can be tricky, and it’s based on different regimes that come in. So, for you to survive, you have to create strategies that will enable your business to thrive within difficult challenges,” he said.
He warned that political decisions made without regard for peace and stability could have far-reaching consequences.
“Every leader in the nations within the EAC, or Africa at large, needs to remember that they can be held accountable even after their term ends,” Alando said. “Security, peace, and stability of the region should always be the priority.”
Alando added that instability in one country, such as the conflict in Sudan, affects the region’s overall security and economy. “The conflict impacts the security in the region because it creates porousness within the region,” he said.
He emphasised that peace and security are vital for trade and economic growth. He said the African Union (AU) should have conversations within the EAC framework to help restore calm and address grievances raised by Tanzanian citizens.
The KAM CEO also urged business associations to work together to promote peace and stability. He said discussions are ongoing to form a regional business council that can engage governments on issues affecting trade. “We are in conversation with a similar body association to see what we can advise in terms of pushing a conversation towards creating peace and stability,” he said.
Highlighting the role of manufacturers in Kenya’s economy, Alando said the sector contributes Sh370 billion in taxes and employs more than 300,000 people. “We go to the government as people who contribute to this economy, and anything that happens negatively will impact our contribution,” he said.
Alando added that businesses should not remain silent when political instability threatens peace and trade.
“We also need to speak truth to power if there are issues that need to be addressed,” he said. “If businesses will not have a voice, then that economy that the politicians would want to run will not be run.”
Top Stories Today
